Hi everybody! I’m swapping in for our old pal Ryan Clements for the next few weeks. There are some stellar games launching this week, including the highly regarded adventure game Oxenfree, voice-controlled strategy game There Came an Echo, and even a new PS2 classic you can play on your PS4. Not too shabby! Have a great weekend, everybody.

New Releases: May 31, 2016

Dangerous Golf

PS4 — Digital (Out 6/3)

Welcome to the world of Dangerous Golf. An arcade style sports game with a very explosive twist. Rack up scores by causing as much damage and destruction as possible.

Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition

PS4 — Digital, Retail

Welcome to the Zombie Apocalypse experience of a lifetime -– and now more beautiful than ever. Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survival!

Dead Island Definitive Collection

PS4 — Digital, Retail

Smash heads, crack skulls, and slice ‘em up with visceral melee combat and true story-based four-player co-op in a sprawling open world just waiting for exploration.

Delta Strike: First Assault

PS Vita — Digital

Jump into intense action with your favorite aircraft like classic airplanes, jets, helicopters and even a drone. Blast your way through buildings, missiles, bullets, tanks, helicopters, jets and much more!

Hard Reset Redux

PS4 — Digital (Out 6/3)

Hard Reset Redux is an action-packed and hardcore single-player shooter which embraces the best qualities that the genre has it offer. It includes over-the-top destruction, loads of enemies, great weapon variety, a challenging campaign and a beautifully realized cyberpunk setting.

Kick & Fennick

PS4 — Digital (Out 6/2)

Kick & Fennick is a smooth and easygoing platform adventure about Kick, a little boy with a very big gun, and a small flying robot named Fennick.

MotoGP 15

PS3 — Digital

The thrilling MotoGP series is gearing up again! Delve into the new game modes, build and personalize your team in the exciting Career mode and win countless competitions to become the best!

One Piece: Burning Blood

PS4, PS Vita — Digital (PS4 Version at Retail)

Take to the sea in this dynamic fighter staring the world’s favorite pirate crew. Use Devil Fruit, Haki techniques, and punishing combos to turn the tide in the ultimate 3 vs. 3 One Piece battle royale!

Oxenfree

PS4 — Digital

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift. Play as Alex, a bright teenager who brings her new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight party on an old military island.

Plague Inc.: Evolved

PS4 — Digital

Your pathogen has just infected ‘Patient Zero’ — now you must bring about the end of human history by evolving a deadly, global plague while adapting against everything humanity can do to defend itself.

Primal (PS2)

PS4 — Digital

Help search for a loved one in a frightening world of demons and darkness.

Score Rush Extended

PS4 — Digital

World’s first widescreen dual-stick bullet-hell. Made for YOU, for all gamers. Empower the player philosophy. Pure finely-tuned gameplay. No gimmicks.

Shadow Blade: Reload

PS4 — Digital

Shadow Blade is an action platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape.

There Came an Echo

PS4 — Digital

There Came an Echo is a real-time strategy game in which the player assumes command of a small squadron, using an advanced voice recognition system to issue orders.

Neon Chrome

PS4 — Digital

Experience a ruthless top-down cyberpunk shooter and blast your way through enemies and walls. The path to stopping the Overseer is ever changing.

Paranautical Activity (Cross-Buy)

PS4, PS Vita — Digital

Paranautical Activity combines the classic FPS action of games like Doom and Quake, with the randomness and difficulty of modern roguelikes like Binding of Isaac and Spelunky.

Art of Balance

PS4 — Digital

Grab your DualShock 4 and build a balanced stack in this physics-based puzzler! Art of Balance is easy to pick up and hard to put away.

Juicy J & Wiz Khalifa – TGOD Mafia Presents: Rude Awakening

Classixx – Far Away Reach

10 Cloverfield Lane

London Has Fallen

POWERS | Season 2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – Pre-Order

Scream – May 30 at 10/9c (MTV)

Archer- June 2 at 10/9c (FX)

Comedy Bang! Bang!- June 3 at 11/10c (IFC)

The information above is subject to change without notice.

]]>http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/05/29/the-drop-new-playstation-games-for-5312016/feed/109http://blog.us.playstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PREVIEW_SCREENSHOT1_114639.jpg4.27Director, SIEA Social Media1092The Drop: New PlayStation Games for 5/24/2016http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/05/22/the-drop-new-playstation-games-for-5242016/
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/05/22/the-drop-new-playstation-games-for-5242016/#commentsSun, 22 May 2016 16:01:12 +0000http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=174835

The world needs heroes. And in the wake of old wars and rising conflicts, a legendary team plans its return. The long-awaited team shooter Overwatch is out this week on PS4.

Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch thrusts players into a chaotic, colorful world of white-knuckle competition. Select one of the many unique heroes in the roster and face an opposing team of six in dynamic matches across the globe. Each hero brings a unique set of skills (and personality) into the match, where every move made and bullet fired could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

For a full list of games coming to PlayStation this week, read on. And enjoy the Drop!

New Releases: May 24, 2016

Arcade Archives Formation Armed F

PS4 — Digital (Out 5/27)

‘Armed F’ is a shooting game that was released from Nichibutsu in 1988.
Players equip ‘Armor’ what can make variety attacks, and fight in variety world such as the insect stage and the machine stage. Wipe out enemies in a wide range attack with reversing the Armor to change formations.

Crazy Strike Bowling EX

PS4 — Digital (Out 5/25)

Join Aiden, Mr. Jenkins and a host of other cute, fun-filled characters in Crazy Strike Bowling EX, a wacky bowling game fit for the whole family! Get a strike in new and distant bowling lands from the exotic forests of the Amazon to the pyramids of Egypt!, battle your friends in exhibition or battle mode, or dodge obstacles in challenge mode! Go crazy and use your character’s special move to knock those bowling pins into oblivion while unlocking secret worlds and costumes! With level-ups, Crazy Strike Bowling EX is a strike for all ages!

Downwell

PS4, PS Vita — Digital

Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots for protection. Make your way further and further down into the darkness filled with nasty creatures and mysterious secrets to collect the spectacular red gems scattered about the rocks.

Dungeons 2

PS4 — Digital, Retail

In Dungeons 2, fulfil the Dungeon Lord’s insatiable quest for vengeance by recruiting fearsome new monsters from all corners of the underworld in order to undertake his evil bidding. Take control of the mighty Dungeon Lord and craft a network of unique and terrifying dungeons and recruit an army of fearsome creatures. Prepare to defend your Kingdom against those pesky heroes and go above ground to wage war on their human cities.

The Last Blade 2

PS4, PS Vita — Digital

“Hell’s Gate” is a boundary between life and death. Four ‘Mythological Symbols’ are about to fight an ultimate spirit awakened from the netherworld to the death, and send him straight to ‘Hell’s Gate’. In addition to 12 combatants from the previous title, 4 brand new characters and 2 hidden characters join the fight in the gorgeous roster of 18 characters. Select your favorite sword attack type among the “POWER”, “SPEED”, and “EXTREME” modes. Master the ”REPEL” mechanic to counter your opponent’s attacks, and when the time comes activate the “SUPER SECRET SLASH”, “HIDDEN SECRET SLASH” and “ENIGMA FRENZY-ATTACK” ultimate techniques in order to change the outcome of the battle! Discover or rediscover “THE LAST BLADE 2”, which is still considered as the pinnacle of the blade-based fighting game genre around the world to this day!

Lumo

PS4 — Digital

Witness the rebirth of a genre in Lumo – a classic isometric adventure with a modern twist for gamers young and old alike!

As a contemporary take on the long-lost isometric platform genre, Lumo can be enjoyed by anyone looking for an absorbing, challenging and rewarding adventure. But for those who lived through the golden age of videogames – the 80s and early 90s – or know about the games and culture from that time, layer upon layer of nods, winks and touches to those times help build upon an experience that’s as heart-warming as it is exciting!

With over 400 rooms across four unique zones, six hidden mini-games and all kinds of secrets to uncover, Lumo is a true voyage of discovery. How much you discover just depends on how hard you look…

Overwatch

PS4 — Digital, Retail

Clash on the battlefields of tomorrow and choose your hero from a diverse cast of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities. Bend time, defy physics, and unleash a dizzying array of extraordinary powers and weapons. Engage your enemies in iconic locations from around the globe in the ultimate team-based shooter. Take your place in Overwatch… the world needs heroes.

Retsnom

PS4 — Digital

RETSNOM is an innovative puzzle platformer game in pixel art style that allows players to alter the game environment by mirroring sections of the level and rearranging it on the fly.

Mirrors reflect objects left to right. Players should understand the way how mirrors flip the world to solve the stages. The ability to bend the world to player’s will is a very cool gameplay mechanic, that rewards experimentation as players make their way through this rather sinister world.

You have a daughter. She is unfortunately infected by a zombie virus. The only way to save your daughter is to visit the laboratory in the future and steal the medicine that is expected to be made by your colleagues. But the future research team is hiding in the maze using mirrors. They decorated the maze using features of a mirror in each level.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan

PS4, PS3 — Digital, Retail

Battle alongside your brothers through the sewers, subways, and streets of NYC to take down Shredder and Krang’s evil organization, Foot by Foot. Unleash custom combat skills and powerful team combos to save Manhattan from the overwhelming dark forces growing in the shadows.

The world is over and the zombie apocalypse is here. For years you have been preparing for this moment and it finally happened. Resisting in your bunker is harder and harder, your food is almost gone, your ammo is finished and your weapons are broken. Your only chance to survive is reaching a rescue point, through many days of travel.

Go deep into the 16 passionate levels in which you test your aim and your skills crushing as many zombies as you can.

Zombies: The Last Survivor is a mix between a 2D shooter and an Action RPG. During the game you will have 4 different weapons, counting mines, and you will use them to finish with 15 kinds of zombies that you will find on your way to salvation.

Two long-awaited, rather mysterious titles are not only coming to PlayStation this week — they’ll be free for PlayStation Plus members from the get-go.

The adorably puzzling Road Not Taken puts players into the boots of a tiny ranger, seeking to rescue lost children after an unforgiving winter storm. Procedural level generation will keep you on your toes, and will mean a different story each time you play.

Metrico is an infographic-inspired side-scrolling platformer that uses PS Vita’s unique hardware to deliver an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Figure out how to manipulate the very world around you to overcome unassuming obstacles, and veg out to an ultra-chill soundtrack by Dutch composer Palmbomen.

Other highlights this week include The Swapper, part of the PlayStation Store PLAY 2014 promotion (PS Plus members can pre-order to save a few bucks), and a standalone version of legendary brawler Ultra Street Fighter IV. Read on for more details on this week’s new releases, and enjoy the Drop!

New PlayStation Games This Week

DiRT 3

PS3

Get ready for DiRT 3 – race over 50 years of iconic rally cars in the snow, rain and dirt or express yourself in freestyle gymkhana events. Featuring the most rally content in the series, experience incredible damage and stunning weather as you race singleplayer, splitscreen and online in multiplayer.

Metrico is a new world. A living world filled with infographics that react directly to your movement, actions and input. Visit this mysterious place and discover how everything you do affects it. With all of its puzzles and action, Metrico invites you to explore, experiment, test your skills and most of all: think outside the box.

2013 Riders, teams and tracks both simulation and accessible bike handling with scalable aids photorealistic graphics with TV style interface in-game voice over by official MotoGP commentators first person elements such as the helmet view and 3D pits to put you in the rider’s shoes.

The villagers of Road Not Taken believe that there is an optimal path through life: a good person gets a job, falls in love and has children. You won’t follow this path. Can you find your own unique way through a life?

Sacred 3

PS3

Choose from legendary heroes and fight together against the rise of evil. You will face hordes of grimmocs, brute beasts, legions of mercenaries and undead wizards. Develop your character’s skills and abilities and band together to use powerful co-op abilities and tactics. Victory is Ours. Glory is Mine.

Table Top Racing is a fast and furious miniaturised combat racing game that pits all manner of crazy cars and automobiles against each other. Welcome to a world of table top race tracks, over-sized obstacles and insane power-ups.

The Swapper takes place in an isolated and atmospheric sci-fi world. Players wield an experimental device which allows them to create clones of themselves, swapping their entire consciousness into new bodies to overcome the challenges of the environment.

The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV. Continuing the tradition of excellence the series is known for, five new characters and six new stages have been added for even more fighting mayhem, with rebalanced gameplay and original modes topping off this ultimate offering. As an additional bonus, enjoy all previously released DLC costumes!

Soccer and giant robots — a deadly combination. This week will see the launch of some hotly anticipated titles.

FIFA 14 brings a host of new features to the pitch, including realistic ball physics, enhanced teammate intelligence for better decision making, and precision movement. Of course, the Ultimate Team mode returns to give gamers superb control of their customized soccer experience.

But FIFA 14 isn’t the only soccer game in town. The long-running Pro Evolution Soccer series continues with Pro Evolution Soccer 14. PES 14 brings along tremendous improvements and new features to the world of soccer, with TrueBall Tech, upgraded core play, the new Motion Animation Stability System (M.A.S.S.), and even an emotional hook — in-game players will now react mentally to the flow of the game and affect their performance.

If you aren’t much of a soccer fan, fear not — you can always take a giant battle mech out for a spin. Armored Core: Verdict Day ushers in tons of new content for Armored Core fans, including 90 new missions, more than 150 customizable unit parts, and improved online matchmaking. Those of you that need just a taste of dystopian sci-fi action, look no further.

Check below for a full list of games coming to the world of PlayStation — including a few classic PS2 games — and enjoy the Drop.

On PS Vita this week, Killzone: Mercenary makes full use of the PS Vita’s input and graphics capabilities. It enhances the familiar dual-stick FPS control scheme with touch controls for actions such as brutal melee, and with tilt controls for accurate sniper aiming. The game even uses the powerful Killzone 3 engine to bring its massive environments and impressive set pieces to life.

On PS3 Blu-ray and PSN, Puppeteer is a set in a magical puppeteer’s theatre, introducing you to a strange and fantastic world, where the environment is constantly changing. Players will enjoy a rich, dark fairytale where surprises lurk around every corner.

Fully remastered in HD, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX is a compilation of the critically acclaimed original Kingdom Hearts (in its Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix form, previously exclusive to the Japanese market,) and Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories. In addition, the two-in-one-disc package features HD cinematic story videos from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, enhanced gameplay mechanics and PlayStation 3 system trophies. Players can now relive the origins of the celebrated franchise with Sora, Riku and the colorful cast of Disney characters, including Mickey, Donald and Goofy!

(PS Vita // Also on Gamecard) — If you thought the battle lines were clear, you’ve not seen the whole story. Killzone: Mercenary throws you into a deadly firefight where you not only fight alongside the dangerous ISA, but also shoulder to shoulder with the vicious Helghast. There is no good. There is no evil. There is only the mission … and the money. Experience Killzone from a brutally new perspective, only on PlayStation Vita.

(Also on PS3 Blu-ray) — One dark moonlit night, a young boy named Kutaro was carried away by the maleficent Moon Bear King to a black castle where the unlucky lad was transformed into a puppet. Kutaro displeased the terrible tyrant, who devoured the boy’s wooden head and cast away his body. But the headless hero was not alone, for he had discovered a very special pair of scissors to help him on his harrowing adventure to find his head, and his way home.

The platforming adventure Puppeteer takes place in a magical theater, with many worlds and wild situations to explore, all on one magical stage. Experience a rich, dark fairytale where surprises lurk around every corner.

Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter HD — Carnivores: Dinosaur Hunter lets players explore huge non-linear locations as they attempt to track down a variety of dinosaurs that are armed with some ferociously advanced AI. As a result, these are no “pea-brained” dinosaurs — these are dangerous creatures that are able to see, hear and sense the hunter. If you’re not careful, it’s very easy for the hunter to become the hunted.

With 15 different dinosaurs across five distinct environments (including pine forests, muddy marshes and rolling hills,) how you approach your target is important. Wind direction, scent and the use of a special dinosaur call are all key elements in tracking your prey.

Dragon Fantasy Book II (Cross Buy & Cross Play) — While the original Dragon Fantasy was an homage to NES-era RPG’s, Book II moves up to the 16-bit SNES era.

NHL 14 — Unlock the highest level of hockey aggression, speed and skill. NHL 14 brings together the best technology from EA SPORTS to deliver the most authentic hockey experience ever. Deliver hits with the cutting-edge NHL Collision Physics, built from FIFA’s revolutionary Player Impact Engine. Drop the gloves with the new Enforcer Engine, powered by EA SPORTS Fight Night technology.

Sanctum 2 — Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game! Pick from four unique character classes and take up the mission of protecting the Cores from hordes of mysterious aliens. In Sanctum 2 you play your character exactly the way you want through the new and extensive customization system. Pick your own loadout of towers, weapons and perks, and pick well, because you are humanity’s last defense against the hordes set out to destroy it.

Hunter’s Trophy 2: Australia — Realistic animal behaviour, a variety of environments, weapons, animals, hunting plans, equipment and skills to unlock, online leaderboards, training in shooting at fixed and moving targets… all are brought together to offer a unique gaming experience which will delight experienced and novice hunters as well as players just looking to experience something new.

Demos

PlayStation 2 Classic

Mystic Heroes — Mystic Heroes is the localization of a side story from Koei’s Houshin Engi series in Japan. Although the story and names are changed, the gameplay is the same. Play as one of four different characters who battle masses of enemies in the style of Dynasty Warriors (Shin Sangoku Musou). Magical items can be found to provide more powerful spell attacks. The game supports up to 4 players in various competitive modes and a minor cooperative mode.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

]]>http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/09/08/the-drop-week-of-september-9th-2013-new-releases/feed/82http://blog.us.playstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/The-Drop-Lead-Image2.jpg4.22Senior Social Media Specialist820The Drop: Week of September 2nd 2013 New Releaseshttp://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/09/01/the-drop-week-of-september-2nd-2013-new-releases/
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/09/01/the-drop-week-of-september-2nd-2013-new-releases/#commentsSun, 01 Sep 2013 23:00:47 +0000http://blog.us.playstation.com/?p=114797In Diablo III for PS3 this week; twenty years have passed since the Prime Evils were defeated and banished from the world of Sanctuary. Now, you must return to where it all began—the town of Tristram—and investigate rumors of a fallen star, for this is an omen that the End Times have begun. Play solo or form a party of up to four heroes—either with local players together on the same screen or network players online. Take a stand as one of humanity’s last defenders—barbarian, witch doctor, monk, demon hunter, or wizard—and level up with devastating new powers and abilities. Face innumerable demonic foes, uncover quests in new locations, and lay claim to masses of loot every time you play.

Enjoy this week’s The Drop!

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In Diablo III for PS3 this week; twenty years have passed since the Prime Evils were defeated and banished from the world of Sanctuary. Now, you must return to where it all began—the town of Tristram—and investigate rumors of a fallen star, for this is an omen that the End Times have begun. Play solo or form a party of up to four heroes—either with local players together on the same screen or network players online. Take a stand as one of humanity’s last defenders—barbarian, witch doctor, monk, demon hunter, or wizard—and level up with devastating new powers and abilities. Face innumerable demonic foes, uncover quests in new locations, and lay claim to masses of loot every time you play.

The third chapter in developer Blizzard’s premiere dungeon-crawler franchise. Bringing the world of Diablo back to PlayStation gamers, this edition of Diablo III features special four-player co-op features.

Diablo III picks up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both Heaven and Hell, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen.

(PS3/PS Vita/Blu-ray) — Rayman, Globox and the Teensies are back to embark on a new fantasy adventure through a series of legendary worlds with new environments, characters and enemies. Rayman Legends features a variety of uniquely-themed levels including several musical maps intricately set to creative soundtracks and a spooky medieval theme.

Players can also connect online with friends through a variety of challenges to test their skill and speed, and see where they rank on the worldwide leaderboards. Rayman Legends retains the fantasy appeal of its predecessor while adding a multitude of clever and entertaining gaming modes, new characters, new environments and a new soundtrack. The award-winning team of artists, designers and composers behind the UbiArt framework has also returned with an advanced engine to include multi-dimensional gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and updated game rendering that elevate Rayman Legends to the next level.

A man, clinging to life. His two sons, desperate to cure their ailing father, are left with but one option. They must set out upon a journey to find and bring back the “Water of Life” as they come to rely on one another to survive. One must be strong where the other is weak, brave where the other is fearful, they must be… Brothers.
Chaos Code — Grasp the Chaos! High-speed new-style 2D fighting game Chaos Code leaps from arcades to PlayStation 3! Otaku fighter Hikaru, mysterious gothic girl Celia, Italian Chinese Chef Bravo, and many more unique characters are waiting for you to join the battle! Create your own style with the Skill Select System and reveal the truth behind Chaos Code before your rivals!

Hunter’s Trophy 2: America — Experience all the excitement of the hunt in America! From brown bear to elk, track 25 different preys in this hunting simulation set in the most beautiful countryside of the USA.

Kickbeat (PS3/PS Vita Cross Buy) — KickBeat offers players several innovative ways to interact with music. The game combines beat-matching mechanics with an acrobatic style of martial arts, turning every song into a raucous battle. The game also features a music analyzer that allows players to create new tracks from their own music libraries.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2 — Sail again with the Straw Hat Crew in One Piece Pirate Warriors 2! After two years of training and gaining new skills, the Straw Hat Crew is back and better than ever as Luffy continues his quest to become the Pirate King! Luffy and his crew will appear with their New World outfits and all new attacks to take down hordes of Pirates and Marines that will flood the screen. Immerse yourself by playing the “New World” with your favorite characters and their latest techniques and costumes.

Demos

PlayStation 2 Classic

Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity — A hand-drawn strategy RPG from the creators of Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth. Features include more than 50 hours of tactical gameplay, including sidequests, recruitment drives, and story-based missions, in addition to a multitude of different team attacks and customizable fusion-based item creation.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

On PS3 Blu-ray and a full digital download on PSN, Killer Is Dead is the latest title from the demented mind of celebrated game creator, SUDA51, serving as a spiritual successor to his previous cult favorites, No More Heroes and Killer 7.

Stylish cell-shaded visuals set the mood in this gritty, bloody, ultra-violent world where biomechanical augmentations increase the power of criminals and “executioners” alike. Mondo Zappa, a newly recruited executioner, hunts criminals wielding a Japanese sword in his right hand, and the crushing power of biomechanical engineering in his left.

(Also on PSN) — A reputable execution agency’s newest recruit, Mondo Zappa, takes center stage as he stalks and beheads a wide variety of heinous criminals all across the world (and even, perhaps, outside of it). As he settles into his new job, he also comes to terms with his own inner demons, balancing his talent for dispensing swift and brutal justice with his fleeting memories of a traumatic past, and peppering it all with his many sensual conquests.

Be he a killer, a lover or a gigolo, his many tales of passion and brutality begin with his appointment at Bryan´s Executioner Office. A whole world of pain and pleasure awaits, and there’s no telling where it might take him next…

Lost Planet 3 reveals new truths about the foreboding planet and the colonial history of E.D.N. III, returning players to the extreme and unpredictable conditions that characterized the Lost Planet series, now harsher than ever before. The game delivers a diverse range of gameplay including on-foot battles and intense first person action. With a number of multiplayer modes and a compelling single player experience, Lost Planet 3 will delved into the hidden truths within the unique and dynamic environment of E.D.N. III.

The MMO role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn invites you to explore the world of Eorzea with friends from across the world. Forge friendships, mount up on a chocobo, board an airship with your friends and create your own unique stories within the Final Fantasy Universe. Undertake epic quests and battle with familiar Final Fantasy monsters alone or enlist the help of your friends. Each player will have their own unique abilities and equipment that they have acquired during their adventures. Work together to help forge the fate of Eorzea!

Strap on your helmet and get ready for the adrenaline-pumping thrills that are NFL football. Whether you’re a slashing running back, ball-hawking safety or dual-threat QB, Madden NFL 25 features 30 new moves that let you interlace a string of devastating combos with an all-new precision modifier that unleashes the power, precision and creativity of the NFL ball carrier.

With more polished physics simulation and an all-new Force Impact System, year two of the award-winning Infinity Engine harnesses power moves, such as Hit Stick, Truck, dive tackle and more, to give you more control over the outcome of the play than ever before. Cement your reputation as one of the all-time greatest players or coaches, and take complete control over your franchise in Connected Franchise. Build your ideal Madden team in this year’s edition of Ultimate Team, while accessing the best content from around the Madden NFL universe with Madden Share. With 25 years of expertise backing this game, you’re in for an unparalleled experience that will have you forgetting that you’re not out there on the turf, fighting for glory.

If you thought the battle lines were clear, you’ve not seen the whole story. Killzone: Mercenary throws you into a deadly firefight where you not only fight alongside the dangerous ISA, but also shoulder to shoulder with the vicious Helghast. There is no good. There is no evil. There is only the mission … and the money. Experience Killzone from a brutally new perspective, only on PlayStation Vita.

(Cross Buy and Cross Play) Spelunky is a cave exploration / treasure-hunting game inspired by classic platform games and roguelikes, where the goal is to grab as much treasure from the cave as possible. Every time you play the cave’s layout will be different. Use your wits, your reflexes, and the items available to you to survive and go ever deeper! Perhaps at the end you may find what you’re looking for…

Sweet Fuse: At Your Side — Sweet Fuse: At Your Side is an otome game developed by Idea Factory and Concept for the PSP. It is being released in North America by Aksys Games. The protagonist is Saki Inafune, the niece of legendary game designer Keiji Inafune.

The HD Adventures of Rotating Octopus Character — The 2D Adventures of Rotating Octopus Character is a twitchy, fast paced platform game playable with the simple use of just two buttons. Rotating Octopus Character can’t stop spinning, and he sticks to everything, but he can change direction, and he can jump. So, armed with those two moves – Reverse, and Jump – you’re tasked with helping ROC to collect all the baby octopi who have been so unfortunately scattered all over the world. The videogame world is full of hazards for a spinning octopus, too, so it’s not just a case of jump-and-grab. Timing is everything to avoid sending ROC hurtling to his doom.

Floating Cloud God: Saves The Pilgrims in HD — As the Cloud God, your job is to keep your troupe of devoted followers safe on their long journey in Floating Cloud God Saves The Pilgrims. It’s no easy feat, as there are hordes of peculiar demons waiting across the game’s seven worlds, all trying to pick off a pilgrim or two. Blast these demons away with your power — the more enemies you shoot without getting hit, the more the pilgrims will love you. Pilgrim love helps you get faster and more powerful, but getting hit will lose you all that love, and you’ll need to work on your shoot-and-dodge skills to get back the hearts you lost.

Demos

PlayStation 2 Classic

Crimson Sea 2 — Koei brings PlayStation 2 owners a sequel to their original Xbox SF-fantasy action jaunt. Taking place two years after the original, Crimson Sea 2 allows players the ability to swap between characters Sho and Feanay across 60 different missions. For the first time ever, the series also includes a two-player mode that three different types of gameplay: versus, cooperative and time battle.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Saints Row IV arrives on PS3 and PSN this week. The head honcho of the Saints has been elected to the Presidency of the United States. But the Saints are just getting started. Now the larger-than-life insanity of the Saints series gets a new twist with a catastrophic alien invasion, and the aliens have transported the Saints to a bizarro-Steelport simulation. Wield gargantuan superpowers and fight to free humanity from alien granddaddy Zinyak’s mental grasp. Escape the simulation that’s trapped the Saints crew, or die trying.

As a Cross Buy and Cross Play title on PS3 and PS Vita, Divekick distills the essence of the fighting genre into a two-button, no-joystick, rage-inducing form that can be enjoyed by anyone. You have no traditional directional movement.

(Also on PSN) — In the next open-world installment of Saints Row, Deep Silver Volition continues the story of the Third Street Saints by elevating their status to the highest level – the leaders of the free world.

Saints Row IV lets players delve into an arsenal of alien weaponry and technology that will turn each Saint into an ultimate entity of destruction. Utilize out-of-this-world superpowers to fight all the way to the top. With intensified action and enhanced customization, players can use their newfound superpowers and leap over buildings, outrun the fastest sports cars, or send enemies flying with telekinesis in the greatest, most insane installment of Saints Row yet. Save the world, Saints Style.

Disney Infinity unlocks the freedom to play with some of your favorite Disney and Disney/Pixar worlds like never before! You can experience adventures in the worlds of Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles and Monsters University — take on the role of Sulley, the naturally gifted ‘scarer’; become Captain Jack Sparrow, the sword-wielding pirate; or transform yourself into Mr. Incredible, one of the world’s greatest crime-fighters. Battle enemies, solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and complete a variety of other unique quests.

Or create your own world! Unlock virtual toys, characters, buildings, weapons, gadgets and more — and bring them into the Disney Infinity ‘Toy Box’ where you can mix them all up to create your own game. In the Disney Infinity Toy Box, there are no rules and you can create any adventure you want. Share your creations with your friends with up to 4-player co-op play. The more you play, the more you unlock so the story never ends. It’s up to you and your imagination — infinite possibilities, infinite ways to inspire your imagination!

The battle of humans against an invading alien force erupts in The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, a new story and unique gameplay experience set inside one of gaming’s most storied and beloved franchises. Set in 1962 at the height of the Cold War, The Bureau tells the origin story of the clandestine XCOM organization’s first encounter with a mysterious and devastating enemy. Originally established as America’s covert defense against the Soviet Union, The Bureau must adapt and overcome a threat unlike anything the world has faced before. As special agent William Carter, players will call the shots and pull the trigger, leading their squad of agents in the high-stakes secret war for humanity’s survival. Paramount to repelling the outside threat is The Bureau’s ability to cover-up the enemy’s existence in order to prevent worldwide panic.

In the spirit of the XCOM franchise, The Bureau’s calculated combat design requires players to think and act tactically. The game’s third-person perspective gives the player a sense of spatial awareness and grants them the freedom to transition in and out Carter’s unique Battle Focus ability seamlessly — heightening the tactical shooter action. The Bureau also fully embraces the concept of permanent consequence. As our last line of defense, every command can mean the difference between life and death for Carter, his squad and mankind.

The United States has a military presence in two thirds of countries around the world. A group of 12 have had enough and initiate a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist — a deadly countdown of escalating terrorist attacks on U.S. interests. Sam Fisher is the leader of the newly formed 4th Echelon unit: a clandestine unit that answers solely to the President of the United States. Sam and his team must hunt down these terrorists by any means necessary, and stop the Blacklist countdown before it reaches zero.

Unleash the power of the most lethal agent to ever exist. You’ve been given the ultimate freedom to protect innocents against the Blacklist terror attacks known as — the freedom to use limitless force, to break every law, and to become the globe’s deadliest operative. If you succeed, the President of the United States will deny you exist. If you fail, millions will die.

(Cross Buy + Cross Play PS3/PS Vita) — You can only dive into the air with the Dive button (it’s a jump) and then propel yourself toward the ground with a mighty kick, using the Kick button. Kicking while on the ground will cause you to bounce away from your opponent. The first hit wins each round; first to five rounds wins the game!

As simple as this sounds, trust that underestimating your opponent is a dangerous mistake. Movement is unorthodox, and players are unable to guard against incoming attacks. Finding the optimal spot to stand in order to score a counter is key, but actually standing in that position is a lot harder than you’d think! Players can also build up their Kick-Meter to activate Kick-Factor, a super charged mode in which your character dives higher and kicks faster. Watch your head, however, as one solid foot to the face scores a headshot and leaves you with a concussion in the next round. Stunned players don’t dive as high or kick as fast, leaving them at a massive disadvantage.

Air Conflicts: Pacific Carriers — Air Conflicts: Pacific Carriers combines authentic Second World War settings and a fictitious story that will lead the player through arcade-flight action.

Demos

PlayStation 2 Classic

Naval Ops Commander — The true sequel to the original Kurogane no Houkou, Naval Ops: Commander returns to the series’ heavier tactic-oriented roots and emphasizes construction and strategy over action. New features include the TBG Tactical Battle Group System (which allows players to have real-time control over their primary warship), additional camera viewpoints, 200 different weapons, 1000 different ship parts, and over 80 varied stages.

Kessen III — Follow-up to Koei’s first two strategy games, set in ancient Japan.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

On PSN this week, DuckTales: Remastered is a hand-crafted, beautiful reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, but now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan, alike.

Embark on an authentic DuckTales adventure, as Scrooge McDuck and his three nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie travel to exotic locations throughout the world in their quest to retrieve the five Legendary Treasures.

DuckTales Remastered takes the classic Disney platforming adventure to a whole new level. All of the visuals from the 8-bit game have been beautifully re-created as hand-drawn and animated sprites, across a backdrop of luscious, re-envisioned level backgrounds.

Furthermore, original Disney Character Voices talent, including some from the cartoon TV series, bring in-game characters to life with charm and wit, while the classic melodies of the original soundtrack are given a modern twist. The game also features an all new tutorial level where players can get familiar with the iconic pogo jump and cane swing, while Scrooge McDuck’s Museum allows players to track all their stats and compare their progress with others via global leaderboards.

Put a crew together for the second entry in the thrilling heist shooter PayDay. Don the masks of the original PayDay crew — Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains — and descend on Washington D.C. for an epic crime spree. The new CRIMENET network in PayDay 2 offers a huge range of dynamic contracts and players are free to choose anything from small-time convenience store hits or kidnappings, to major league cyber-crime or emptying out major bank vaults for that epic PAYDAY. While in D.C., why not participate in the local community and run a few political errands?

(For PS Vita) — An addictive augmented reality puzzle game for the PS Vita system that challenges players to think “outside the box”. The goal is simple: open the box and collect the items inside. But be prepared – each box has its own unique traps that require you to think creatively. There is also a multiplayer mode where communication skills and speed between players are key to opening these boxes. Take the challenge and think outside the box!

A-Men (For PS Vita) — A-men is a logic-based puzzle-platforming game focused on thought provoking puzzle scenarios, absorbing entertainment, and a charmingly classic art-style. March across four themed worlds and 40 complex action puzzle stages, using wits and quick movements to avoid dangers and unleash traps on foes who patrol your path.

Thunder Wolves — Get in your helicopter, get ready, and go! The Thunder Wolves are the best helicopter pilots in the world, and they have already made it through countless battles. Every one of them is ready for action at any time, and ready to battle evil, no matter where it lurks. Get your helicopter airborne and get ready for some furious fireworks and top-class gaming action!

Fruit Ninja (For PS Vita) — Swipe your finger across the screen to deliciously slash and splatter fruit like a true ninja warrior. But be careful of the bombs, which are explosive to the touch and will put a swift end to your juicy adventure!

Mars: War Logs — In the destroyed world of Mars, two destinies mingle together. Two beings searching for their identity travel across a broken planet, constantly facing bloody political conflicts which tear the old colonies apart. Often divided, sometimes fighting the same enemies, both are the source of the advent of a new era…

Mars: War Logs is a sci-fi RPG action game that innovatively merges character development and light and rhythmic fights. it takes you on a journey deep into an original futuristic universe and presents you with scenarios dealing with difference, racism and environment.

Demos

Sony Pictures

Olympus Has Fallen (Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, & Digital) — When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured and the President (Aaron Eckhart) is kidnapped by a terrorist mastermind, disgraced former Presidential guard, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), moves to action. As the national security team scrambles to respond, the secret service ground team is wiped out and it’s up to Banning to retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger crisis. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and also starring Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, Ashley Judd and Rick Yune.

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD features more than 30 hours of gameplay, remastered graphics, added touchscreen input, and includes the Encore expansion, as well as the extra towers, enemies, and levels from the Deluxe edition.

Enjoy this week’s The Drop!

PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD (PS Vita) — In PixelJunk Monsters: Ultimate HD the player controls a defender-of-the-forest character in a lush environment. The player’s goal is to strategically defend the pathway to his homebase from an onslaught of various threatening monsters. In between waves of monster attacks, the player scrambles to reinforce his defenses by collecting gold coins and jewels from fallen enemies to finance new towers and research deadlier weapons.

Cloudberry Kingdom — Designed to be “the platformer to end all platformers” from the design team at Pwnee Studios, Cloudberry Kingdom is an innovative and endlessly challenging platformer that adapts to your skill level. Thanks to a dynamic AI system designed around the creator’s study of platforming games — flow, spacing, rhythm, player expectation — Cloudberry can provide a very simple and enjoyable platforming experience for inexperienced players or can ratchet up the challenge to insane (but always beatable) levels of hair-raising, face-melting difficulty.

Narco Terror — Dishing out justice, one grenade at a time! Narco Terror is an arcade twin-stick shooter about a one-man war against the drug cartel.

Puzzle By Nikoli V Slitherlink (PS Vita) — The third release from Puzzle by Nikoli series brings you the world-renowned “Slither Link” game. All fifty challenges have been carefully designed by Nikoli writers, who ensures that each solution is distinctive and different! With PlayStation Vita’s exclusive controls, games on large boards is made easier! Everyone from novices to experts is sure to lose themselves in this immersive puzzle world.

The Last Bounty Hunter — The Territory has been overrun, and you’re the last hope to rid the town of the four vicious outlaws – Handsome Harry, Nasty Dan, El Loco and the Cactus Kid. You better be quick, cause they’re looking to get you too! These crazy outlaws will lead you through the roughest areas of the Territory so be careful. There’ll be danger round every corner and shootouts with some of the fastest hands in the west so come on, use that gun!

PlayStation 2 Classics

P.T.O. IV: Pacific Theatre of Operations — The setting is 1939. The European continent is plunged into war. The globe is carved into 50 naval districts. Players must take command of Naval forces from the United States, Japan, Great Britain, or Germany. The objective is to seize control of as many districts as possible, and defend against enemy aggression. From the North Sea to Midway to Okinawa- every conquest is one step closer to victory!

[Editor’s Note: The following dates are subject to change. Game details are gathered from Press Releases, Retail Descriptions, from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]